Chapter Four

Sesshomaru clenched his teeth while the castle healer examined his arm. "How did this happen, My Lord?"

"Just fix it. How is none of your concern."

"I ask because knowing how the break was made will help me when I need to re-break it. Was your arm twisted? Was it hit or stepped on?"

"It was twisted."

The healer nodded thoughtfully. His master's arm was a mess. It had been twisted almost completely around at the break and healed in that position. The flesh around the break site was swollen and purple with bruises. His hair was matted and filthy with dirt and leaves. His clothing was torn and stained with blood. He looked exhausted and defeated.

"My Lord, I know it is not my place to ask, but as your healer, I must." When he didn't get a response, he continued. "Have you been mated?"

Sesshomaru looked over at the man. "Tell no one."

"Of course, my Lord." He went back to examining the break. "I ask, my Lord, because if you have been mated, it is possible that you may be pregnant."

Sesshomaru stiffened and terror filled him. "How soon will I know?"

"How long ago did the mating happen?"

"I'm not sure. Five or six days, I believe. Maybe a week."

"If you have conceived, I will be able to feel it upon examination in about a week." He put a hand on his master's back when he felt him tremble. "Am I correct that the mating was a violent one?"

"Fix my arm."

The healer nodded. "Yes, my Lord." He took a firm grip of the demon's arm above and below the break. "This will hurt."

"Just do it." Sesshomaru grunted in pain as the healer twisted his arm and the bone snapped. He screamed when the man twisted his arm into the correct position.

"I just need to bind your arm now, my Lord. I'm afraid you won't be able to use it for several days."

"I am aware of that." Sesshomaru hissed as his arm was strapped tight against his body.

"You should rest, my Lord."

"I will." Sesshomaru stood and swayed on his feet. He might have fallen if the healer hadn't steadied him.

"Let me help you to your bed, my Lord." He guided the unresisting demon down the hall and into his bedroom. He eased the man down onto the bed and pulled a blanket over him. "Sleep, my Lord. Send for me when you wake and I will come with food and help you eat."

Sesshomaru made a noise of confirmation and rolled onto his side. Exhausted, he was quickly asleep.